Skip to main content
Michigan State University opens its doors to nearly 88% of applicants while maintaining an 82.2% graduation rate, proving that accessible education can still deliver strong outcomes. Across Michigan's 33 colleges with acceptance rates above 70%, students find pathways into the state's evolving economy where automotive giants like Ford and GM increasingly seek tech-savvy graduates. These schools collectively serve over 140,000 students with net costs ranging from $12,202 to $33,995. Michigan Technological University graduates earn $78,198 annually despite accepting 94% of applicants, while specialized institutions like Kettering University in Flint produce some of the nation's highest-earning graduates at $94,823. The Michigan Achievement Scholarship helps residents afford these options, particularly valuable given that even the most accessible schools here connect directly to major employers. Grand Valley State University accepts 90% of applicants yet places graduates in healthcare and business roles throughout West Michigan. Wayne State University in Detroit, with its 75% acceptance rate and $14,773 net cost, serves as a pipeline to the city's growing healthcare and technology sectors. From Northern Michigan University's 71% acceptance rate serving the Upper Peninsula to Central Michigan's teacher preparation programs, these accessible institutions form the backbone of Michigan's workforce development across automotive, healthcare, and emerging technology industries.
33
Schools
$19,709
Avg. Net Price
$55,979
Avg. Earnings
59.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Easy Admission Colleges in Michigan

College listings
# School Acceptance Rate Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 100.0% 415 $33,553
2 100.0%
3 100.0% 176 $10,371 66.7%
4 99.7% 707 $13,996 42.9%
5 99.1% 1,645 $21,202 64.3%
6 98.9% 3,213 $19,988 49.5%
7 93.7% 5,829 $15,729 68.7%
8 91.3% 1,262 $18,597 65.9%
9 90.8% 1,201 $18,902 62.5%
10 90.5% 2,289 $16,179 68.1%
11 90.4% 19,073 $17,096 68.6%
12 90.1% 12,450 $13,584 56.9%
13 88.0% 40,243 $20,751 82.2%
14 87.9% 8,087 $12,202 47.9%
15 84.6% 918 $21,158 37.0%
16 84.6% 12,704 $18,701 57.8%
17 84.0% 71 $4,913 46.2%
18 83.2% 10,751 $17,084 45.5%
19 81.9% 1,701 $33,995 62.6%
20 81.8% 1,387 $22,384 61.6%
21 80.8% 1,279 $33,092 70.5%
22 80.5% 3,274 $25,749 82.3%
23 79.7% 1,900 $26,429 61.1%
24 79.3% 1,175 $18,873 81.7%
25 79.0% 9,916 $16,041 61.8%
26 76.9% 1,391 $14,368 56.9%
27 76.4% 6,004 $14,582 53.8%
28 75.7% 119 $28,458 53.6%
29 75.3% 15,676 $14,773 56.5%
30 74.2% 2,921 $24,783 77.4%
31 71.4% 827 $19,245 41.4%
32 70.6% 6,425 $17,485 50.8%
33 70.2% 918 $26,409 50.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What acceptance rates can students expect at Michigan colleges with accessible admissions?

Michigan colleges with accessible admissions accept between 70.6% and 99.1% of applicants. Schools like MIAT College of Technology accept 99% of students, while Michigan Technological University accepts 94% despite strong graduate outcomes. Even Michigan State University, with its 40,243 enrollment, accepts nearly 88% of applicants while maintaining high academic standards.

How much do accessible Michigan colleges cost after financial aid?

Net costs at accessible Michigan colleges range from $12,202 to $33,995 annually. Oakland University costs just $13,584 net with 90% acceptance, while Lake Superior State costs $14,368. Private options like Kettering University cost $33,092 but lead to $94,823 average earnings, making the investment worthwhile for many students.

Is graduation rate affected by higher acceptance rates at these schools?

Graduation rates vary significantly, from 45.5% to 82.3%, showing that accessible admissions don't determine outcomes. Hope College graduates 82.3% of students with an 80% acceptance rate, while Michigan State achieves 82.2% despite accepting 88% of applicants. Northern Michigan University graduates 51% with 71% acceptance.

What earning potential do graduates from accessible Michigan colleges have?

Graduates earn between $47,107 and $94,823 annually, with significant variation by school and program. Kettering University leads at $94,823 average earnings, while Michigan Tech graduates earn $78,198. Even highly accessible schools like University of Detroit Mercy produce graduates earning $71,030 annually, well above national averages.

Does the Michigan Achievement Scholarship apply to these colleges?

Yes, the Michigan Achievement Scholarship provides up to $4,000 annually for Michigan residents attending in-state colleges, including those with accessible admissions. This scholarship helps reduce net costs at public universities like Wayne State ($14,773) and Grand Valley State ($17,096), making college more affordable for qualifying students.

Where do accessible Michigan colleges connect to the state's job market?

These colleges directly feed Michigan's automotive, healthcare, and technology sectors. Michigan Tech serves the engineering needs of Ford and GM, while Wayne State supplies Detroit's healthcare systems. Grand Valley State graduates enter West Michigan's business sector, and Central Michigan prepares teachers statewide, creating clear pathways to employment.

See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.